Executing Take a Test in kiosk mode is the recommended option for high stakes assessments, such as mid-term exams. In this mode, Windows will execute Take a Test in a lock-down mode, preventing the execution of any applications other than Take a Test. Students must sign in using a test-taking account.
The configuration of Take a Test in kiosk mode can be done using:
Microsoft Intune/MDM
a provisioning package (PPKG)
PowerShell
the Settings app
When using the Settings app, you can configure Take a Test in kiosk mode using a local account only. This option is recommended for devices that aren't managed.
The other options allow you to configure Take a Test in kiosk mode using a local account, an account defined in the directory, or a guest account.
Tip
While you could create a single account in the directory to be the dedicated test-taking account, it is recommended to use a guest account. This way, you don't get into a scenario where the testing account is locked out due to bad password attempts or other factors.
An additional benefit of using a guest account, is that your students don't have to type a password to access the test.
Follow the instructions below to configure your devices, selecting the option that best suits your needs.
To create a local account, and configure Take a Test in kiosk mode using the Settings app:
Sign into the Windows device with an administrator account
Open the Settings app and select Accounts > Other Users
Under Other users, select Add account > I don't have this person's sign-in information > Add a user without a Microsoft account
Provide a user name and password for the account that will be used for testing
Select Accounts > Access work or school
Select Create a test-taking account
Under Add an account for taking tests, select Add account > Select the account created in step 4
Under Enter the tests's web address, enter the assessment URL
Under Test taking settings select the options you want to enable during the test
To enable printing, select Require printing
Note
Make sure a printer is pre-configured on the Take a Test account if you're enabling this option.
To enable teachers to monitor screens, select Allow screen monitoring
To allow text suggestions, select Allow text suggestions
To take the test, a student must sign in using the test-taking account selected in step 4
Note
To sign-in with a local account on a device that is joined to Microsoft Entra ID or Active Directory, you must prefix the username with either <computername>\ or .\.
How to use Take a Test in kiosk mode
Once the devices are configured, a new user tile will be available in the sign-in screen. If selected, Take a Test will be executed in kiosk mode using the guest account, opening the assessment URL.
How to exit Take a Test
To exit the Take a Test app at any time, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete. You'll be prompted to sign out of the test-taking account, or return to the test. Once signed out, the device will be unlocked from kiosk mode and can be used as normal.
The following animation shows the process of signing in to the test-taking account, taking a test, and exiting the test: